Nikon AF-S 300mm f/4 PF
Specifications, Features, Review, and Examples
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Lens Overview
Build in 2015, the Nikon 300mm f/4 PF is a superb lens that is known for it's small size, light weight, and portability. This was Nikon's first release of a lens with Phase Fresnel (PF) element, and this special technology is what allows the lens to weigh in at only 26 ounces. Personally, this is the smallest and lightest telephoto that I own, and I never hesitate to bring it with me into the field when I need a telephoto on a weight budget.
Build in 2015, the Nikon 300mm f/4 PF is a superb lens that is known for it's small size, light weight, and portability. This was Nikon's first release of a lens with Phase Fresnel (PF) element, and this special technology is what allows the lens to weigh in at only 26 ounces. Personally, this is the smallest and lightest telephoto that I own, and I never hesitate to bring it with me into the field when I need a telephoto on a weight budget.
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Lens Specifications
The 300 PF contains 16 elements in 10 groups, including one PF (Phase Fresnel) lens element. There are 9 rounded aperture blades, and coatings to reduce flare, ghosting, dust, and moisture. The lens is produced in China with a hard plastic body and a metal mount. The lens is fully weather sealed.
The 300 PF contains 16 elements in 10 groups, including one PF (Phase Fresnel) lens element. There are 9 rounded aperture blades, and coatings to reduce flare, ghosting, dust, and moisture. The lens is produced in China with a hard plastic body and a metal mount. The lens is fully weather sealed.
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Lens Features
The 300 PF was Nikon's first lens to feature a Phase Fresnel element. Utilizing an amazing technology that has been used widely in different applications ranging from lighthouses to microscopes, these elements can reduce the size and weight of a lens significantly by limiting the number of glass elements required.
The 300 PF was Nikon's first lens to feature a Phase Fresnel element. Utilizing an amazing technology that has been used widely in different applications ranging from lighthouses to microscopes, these elements can reduce the size and weight of a lens significantly by limiting the number of glass elements required.
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Ergonomics and Handling
The 300 PF has a solid build and is fully weather sealed. There is no tripod collar, because the lens is too small and light to justify one.
In terms of ergonomics, this is Nikon’s smallest and lightest 300mm ever, making it extremely easy to handhold and use, especially when paired with lighter bodies like the D500 and the Z8.
The 300 PF has a solid build and is fully weather sealed. There is no tripod collar, because the lens is too small and light to justify one.
In terms of ergonomics, this is Nikon’s smallest and lightest 300mm ever, making it extremely easy to handhold and use, especially when paired with lighter bodies like the D500 and the Z8.
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Image Quality
The 300 PF punches way above its weight class, producing excellent sharpness and contrast throughout. I would put it up against any of my Z series telephotos even to this day and it would hold its own.
The 300 PF punches way above its weight class, producing excellent sharpness and contrast throughout. I would put it up against any of my Z series telephotos even to this day and it would hold its own.
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Lens Comparison
I test the lens sharpness and bokeh against the most comparable lens that I own - the Nikon Z-Series 400 4.5. While the 400 is sharper, I sincerely could not tell the difference in the center until zooming into 200%.
I test the lens sharpness and bokeh against the most comparable lens that I own - the Nikon Z-Series 400 4.5. While the 400 is sharper, I sincerely could not tell the difference in the center until zooming into 200%.
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Some thoughts and reviews from other notable YouTube reviewers.
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